What is the Difference Between Bonding and Veneers
Composite bonding and porcelain veneers are both great options to consider if you are not totally happy with the appearance of your smile! There are a couple of differences that should be noted as you make your decision.
What is composite bonding?
Composite bonding is directly applied to the tooth surface and can be beneficial in the sense that it does not require the loss of any tooth structure and is reversible!
To begin, your dentist will make sure that there is no decay that needs to be removed before your bonding is placed. If you do have a cavity, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and remove the decay. They will then fill the resulting hall with composite material and shape it and cure it with an ultraviolet light.
If your tooth is clear of decay, no anesthetic has to be applied. The surface of the tooth is simply etched with an aesthetic etching solution which acts as a sort of sandpaper and gives the composite material a rough surface upon which to adhere. Your dentist will then apply the composite material and cure it with an ultraviolet light to make it solid and strong. Once the material is set, your dentist will smooth and refine the shape and polish the composite to a natural-looking finish.
Composite bonding costs between $75 and $800 per tooth, depending on the extent of treatment. If you are bonding is deemed medically necessary, as in the case of a cavity, your dental insurance may cover some of the out-of-pocket costs. Composite bonding is a less costly option and has the ability to last for years but it is not as strong as porcelain and is susceptible to staining and chipping, and will likely require repair and replacement from time to time.
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is used to improve the aesthetics of your smile and can also correct chips and gaps in the teeth. Porcelain is much stronger than composite and while it is more expensive, between $900 and $2500 per tooth, it can last up to 20 years. Porcelain is also non-porous and will not stain though it can chip like your natural teeth.
A veneer is fabricated with wafer thin porcelain that covers the front surface of your tooth. Unlike bonding, veneers are considered a permanent restoration and cannot be reversed as some tooth structure is lost in the preparation process.
Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and shave down a small amount of the tooth structure to allow space for the veneer to fit over the tooth properly. Once the tooth has been repaired, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and make a model for the dental lab to use when they fabricate your beautiful new porcelain teeth. When your dentist receives your teeth back from the lab, they will have you come in to set the veneers.
Dental insurance does not cover veneers because they are considered cosmetic and are not typically a medical necessity.
Regardless what type of tooth restoration you choose, your dentist may advise that you have a night guard made to protect your teeth while you sleep. We often grind or clench our teeth in our sleep and that pressure can cause a lot of damage to your dental restorations and our natural teeth. A night guard can help keep your investment in tip-top shape for years to come!